Suggest Treatment For Ophthalmic Shingles

Posted on Tue, 21 Mar 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 21 Mar 2017 Answered on

Wed, 12 Apr 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My wife has been diagnosed with Shingles on her right eyelid. She did not see the doctor until the 5th day after she first noticed it, unaware of what it was. Can she take anything to help with the healing as I am concerned she could end up with damage to her eye ? The rash has not seemed to spread any further yet but her eye is now swelling shut and the pain is getting worse.

Answered by Dr. Ramesh Kumar (56 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Antivirals should be taken.

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for choosing HealthcareMagic for your query,
As per your query.

Shingles is caused by Herpes zoster.When it affects eye its called as ophthalmic shingles,which can be serious. If left untreated, an eye infection can lead to permanent vision problems,as in some cases cornea is permanently damaged.
Treatment to be discusse with opthalmologist-
Tablet acyclovir 800mg five times a day should be taken for 14 days(anti viral).
Antiviral stop the virus from spreading and help the blisters heal.
For pain a combination of Aceclofenac with serratiopeptidase can be taken twice daily.
However in case of unbearable pain methyl prednisolone can be taken as adviced by opthalmologist.
To promote fast healing Chymotrypsin(chymoral forte) should be taken along with vitamin C and folic acid supplement.They help in formation of epithelial cells of cornea,Hence will promote wound healing.
If possible please attach a photograph of rash with follow up question.
Waiting.
Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana